Asbestos can still be found in many buildings across London, particularly properties constructed or refurbished before asbestos use was prohibited in the UK. For property owners, landlords, facilities managers and contractors, identifying asbestos before work starts is an important part of managing building risk.
Where might asbestos be found?
Asbestos-containing materials can occur in a wide range of building products, including insulation, textured coatings, floor tiles, cement products, roofing materials, pipe lagging, ceiling systems and certain boards. The material is not always obvious from a visual inspection, which is why suspected asbestos should be assessed by a competent professional.
When is an asbestos survey needed?
The type of survey depends on the work being planned and the condition of the building. An asbestos management survey is generally used to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during normal occupation and maintenance. A refurbishment or demolition survey is more intrusive and is intended to locate asbestos before major refurbishment or demolition work begins.
Why asbestos surveys matter before refurbishment or demolition
Drilling, cutting, breaking, stripping or demolishing building materials can disturb asbestos-containing materials and potentially release hazardous fibres. Planning the work around a suitable asbestos survey helps dutyholders identify materials that require management, removal or other appropriate controls before contractors begin intrusive work.
What should London property owners do?
- Establish the age, history and intended use of the building.
- Check whether an existing asbestos survey or management plan is available and still relevant.
- Use a competent asbestos surveyor for the appropriate type of survey.
- Make sure survey information is available to contractors and anyone who may disturb building materials.
- For planned refurbishment or demolition, ensure the survey is sufficiently intrusive for the proposed scope of work.
Get professional asbestos survey advice
If you are planning refurbishment, demolition, maintenance or other intrusive work on a London property, obtaining appropriate asbestos survey advice before work starts can help you identify asbestos risks and plan the project safely and legally.
Need an asbestos survey in London? Contact a competent asbestos surveying professional to discuss the property and the scope of work.
Important: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for a site-specific asbestos survey or professional advice. UK asbestos requirements can depend on the building, work scope and circumstances.